Lecture 14:
Research Methods & Employability

Now is the time to think ahead

Lecture
Week 14
Author

Dr. Gordon Wright

Published

January 31, 2024

Weeks ahead

  • This week - Year 1 Lab Invasion on Thursday
  • Lab 14 - Analysis Planning and Open Data
  • Lab 15 - Data Export, preprocessing & Overview of APA Results section
  • Lab 16 - Data Analysis - Three Flavours of ANOVA (+ Assumptions & Post-hoc tests)
  • Lab 17 - Results write-up, Table, Figures & style

Careers

Careers in Psych and Alternative Careers

Please register

https://goldsmiths.targetconnect.net/unauth?leap=true&currentUserLocale=en_GB

Clinical Pathway - 20,000 Psych Graduates/year

Known Challenges

  • Limited opportunity to gain ‘on the job’ experience

  • Highly competitive and uncertain

  • The vast majority of Psych careers require an MSc. Like another 3rd year (±5 modules (inc. RM and a dissertation). Usually 2 days per week FT.

Embracing Innovative Research Methods

  • Explore Qualitative Research: Engage deeply with qualitative research methods. Develop skills in ethnography, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis to bring fresh perspectives to clinical psychology.

  • Methodological Innovation: Foster a creative approach to research methods. Break away from conventional techniques and develop novel research strategies that address complex psychological issues.

  • Utilize Theoretical Frameworks: Integrate diverse theoretical perspectives such as feminism, poststructuralism, psychoanalysis, and Marxism into your research. This interdisciplinary approach can enrich your understanding and application of clinical psychology.

Developing a Unique Professional Identity

  • Political and Ethical Awareness: Cultivate an awareness of the moral and political dimensions of psychology. Understand how your work can contribute to societal change and uphold ethical standards in research.

  • Reflexivity and Critical Thinking: Practice reflexivity in your work. Be critical of your biases and assumptions, and understand how they influence your research and clinical practice.

  • Advocacy and Empowerment: Position yourself as an advocate for marginalized communities. Use your skills to empower individuals and groups, contributing to social justice through clinical psychology.

Crafting a Standout Identity and Personal Statement

  • Professional Presence: Join Linkedin, attend seminars or conferences, advertise your research skills/interest, join volunteer organisations

  • Tailored CVs: Customize your CV for each application. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and research experiences that align with clinical psychology.

  • Impactful Personal Statements: Convey your passion for psychology and your commitment to pursuing a career in clinical psychology. Reflect on experiences that shaped your interest and how they prepare you for this field.

  • Showcase Skills and Achievements: Clearly articulate your skills, especially in research methods, critical thinking, and communication. Include any awards, presentations, or publications to demonstrate your competence and dedication.

References

  • References can be a powerful addition to any application, or a weakness

  • References should align with the content of your application

  • A referee needs to be able to speak to Academic ability, Professional Skills, Team Work, Extra-Curricular/Voluntary work

You can be working on all of these things NOW!

Summer in Second Year

  • GRIP and Departmental Bursaries

  • Opportunities to do voluntary work

  • Other options

Here’s what they don’t tell you and maybe you don’t want to hear

  • The next step on any Psych career is a Masters.

  • Therefore, getting on the right programme is the key.

  • It’s about Academic merit and the little extras.

  • The best applicants I interview have a ‘Research Narrative’ (Relevant Y3 Dissertation and Proposed MSc Dissertation).

  • And enough ‘experience’ to illustrate effort and engagement with the field.

Final words on the Psych careers

  • Don’t think of it as a ‘different’ domain to where you are now.

  • Experience can be in the lab, or on a research project with vague relevance!

  • Samaritans, CirclesUk, any of the virtual helplines etc. All very flexible to your time

Alternative Careers (with HR Hiring rounds)

  • Put effort into the application process and prepare for the interviews carefully.

  • Illustrate your skills (with examples) and break down all the things you have learned here.

  • Try to get a reference that highlights the same skills you are mentioning.

Marketable Skills of a Psychology Graduate

  • DATA-SKILLS: Ability to analyze and interpret data, identifying patterns and drawing logical conclusions from DATA.
  • Research Skills: Proficiency in designing, conducting, and analyzing research, including both quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for effectively conveying complex psychological concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Empathy and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional understanding of human behavior and the capacity to empathize with clients from varied needs etc.
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: Aptitude for identifying problems, generating solutions, and implementing effective strategies in Project Management.
  • Ethical and Cultural Awareness: Deep understanding of ethical considerations in psychology and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Alternative Careers (without HR Hiring rounds)

  • If there is a human involved, then your Psych background is valuable. Make it count!

  • Network and sell your idea/perspective/skills

  • Build a portfolio or a profile

  • Knock on doors and try to understand the industry

  • Science the sh*t out of it!

Last words

  • Don’t be in a hurry

  • If you are in a hurry, be strategic and devious

  • Try to understand yourself (as much as you can)

  • Talk to as many people as you can!